I would like to call Childline since my I no longer see my real therapist. The only thing I'm not sure about is that with my previous counselor and I had a good relationship, we clicked and she was very nice. But because I'll have no idea who this person is, I'm not confident they'll be particularly caring. What I'm saying is that I just want someone who will listen and someone who is nice, caring. I'm quite outgoing but the subject I want to express it very sensitive to me, so if the person on the other line says something a little harsh it will really knock my confidence even lower. And i want to rebuild it.
Thank you
Sam
Hi there,
It can be really worrying starting to speak to someone about sensitive issues that are important to you. Changing counsellors or using a new service can bring up all kinds of anxieties and fears. What’s important is to take things at your own pace and stay in control of what you say.
Talking to a Childline counsellor has many benefits because you can contact them as and when you need to – you don’t need an appointment. The Counsellors are all trained in the same way so that you get the same service no matter which counsellor you speak to.
Childline counsellors won't judge you and will try to understand what's going on in your life. To do this they'll ask questions and talk about how you’re feeling. Counsellors at Childline aren't there to tell you what to do, instead they work with you to try and help you find a way through an issue or problem. It might be this means that they just listen for a while and be there for you.
What you say to a Childline counsellor is your choice and you can say as much or as little as you feel able to. The more honest and open you can be, the more the counsellor will understand what is going on.
What you say to a Childline counsellor is confidential and will stay between you and Childline. Sometimes we can’t do this in certain situations – like if we think your life is in danger. You can find out more about Childline and our confidentiality promise if you’d like to understand it better.
If you feel uncomfortable with a counsellor or want to stop talking at any time, you can do that. It’s important to remember that you're in control and you can decide when to end the contact with a counsellor.
You can contact Childline in several different ways. You can speak to a counsellor by phone if talking out loud is something you’re more comfortable with. If you prefer to type what you want to say then you can have an online 1-2-1 chat with a counsellor. You can also send emails from your Childline account. Emails are picked up by counsellors and responded back to your Childline inbox within 24 hours.
I hope this has helped you feel more confident in how you talk to Childline. Thanks for your letter, take care.
Sam
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